The Basics Concerning Sports Chiropractic

By Eliza Mendoza


Sports chiropractic is also called chiropractic sports medicine and/or science. This field is a branch of chiropractic that deals with the treatment and management of sports-related conditions and injuries in players. The practitioners whose specialty lies in this line of work are referred to as sports chiropractors. Because the field deals with functional disorders, specialists are employed as part of the medical back-up teams in most sports.

Initially the practitioners worked individually, contacting individual clients and sporting teams without any reference to other professionals in the same field. This has however been changed with the introduction of several associations in different countries to unite chiropractors. The activities and efforts of individual practitioners are now regulated and managed by bodies. Issuance of licenses and enforcement of ethics are also done by these associations.

Chiropractors in the specialty are not only concerned with treating sport-related injuries, but they also work on preventing them and optimizing performance of individuals. Prevention comes in that a player may be having an injury or a medical condition that they are not aware of and there are no signs. It is the responsibility of chiropractors to identify such conditions and correct them or advise the players accordingly to prevent injuries while on the field.

Injuries that remain unidentified are not only risky to players but can also hinder performance. The unidentified injuries make the players perform at levels that are not to their best ability hence might lead to failures that remain un understood. The players may also collapse when engaging in the game causing severe injuries that would have otherwise been avoided. Most team coaches and doctors recommend players to get chiropractic help.

Field treatment is one aspect that all players require when playing. Chiropractors become helpful because they can render on-site medical aid to players instantly they take place. This aid is necessary since injured people might have to join the game again to complete. Clinics and hospitals may also be situated very far for the place of play making it hard to reach them without the player getting some first aid. Services supplied in such circumstance include wound, fracture, dislocation, and pain management.

Qualifications to exercise in this line of work vary a lot from state to state. However, there are certain qualifications that are known worldwide and are required for practitioners to serve in world games like the Olympics. Aspirants require to have masters degree in chiropractic and must have attended many residency programs before getting certification to exercise the career. One must confirm with responsible bodies in their state to make sure they follow the proper academic path.

A license is usually awarded by the authority concerned with this specialty in the specific country. A license allows one the permission to exercise in a professional capacity and may be revoked if one abuses the rules and ethics governing the specialty. Working environment is usually an office and much field work.

Sports chiropractic earns its practitioners a lot per year. Some choose to operate their own health facilities and function as consultants to sport teams and individuals whereas others settle for employment in various facilities. There are no limitations enforced by government authorities hence it is a personal decision whether to be employed or go private.




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